A grandmother with incurable cancer has passed her biology GCSE nearly 30 years after leaving school - and now she wants to become a paramedic.

Unable to choke back the tears Lisa Potter, 43, collected her results alongside hundreds of other students at Nottingham College today (August 23).

Arriving with her partner Damo, 28, and two grandchildren Noah, two, and Logan, three, she admitted the last few years have been a "massive rollercoaster" after retiring from her accountancy job following the discovery of a tumour in the centre of her chest.

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE PEOPLE

"I had to be taken to hospital and have a course of chemotherapy and two years maintenance treatment after that," she said speaking of the illness which meant she had to retire from the job she had worked in more 17 years.

"I retired for two years. I can't spend huge amounts of time in air conditioned buildings and at work I was spending nine or 10 hours a day in an air conditioned building. So I had to leave," she said. This issue also proved a challenge during Lisa's studies at the college too.

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SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION

She said: "I volunteer for the East Midlands Ambulance Service as a first responder and I'd just like to make it a full-time job. I do work for Thames Ambulance Service at the moment but I'd like to be on the emergency side. Eventually I would like to be a paramedic but I haven't got £18,000 to put myself through university.

"I've already made lots of applications and I did pre-empt that I would pass and put a grade in but I've not heard anything yet but at least I can now prove that I've got a grade between 'A' and 'C'."

Lisa's partner Damo admits the journey to GCSE success has been a little difficult.

"It's been stressful but she's come out on top of everything. We are all very supportive of her and very happy. I am sure we will be having a little party later for her."

Nottingham College Director of Curriculum, Tom Dick, said: “It’s wonderful to witness so many successful students here at College today and it’s been very inspiring to see so many mature learners celebrating, who have proven that it’s never too late to return to education.

"Today is a landmark day which opens the door to the next chapter in our students’ lives, many of whom are continuing their studies at the College, either through vocational options such as Diplomas and Apprenticeships, or A Levels, Higher Education and Access courses.

“I’m extremely proud of all our students and I wish them every success for the future.”

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